Boxer Crawford visits Kyiv and gives Zelenskyi puppy Freyja named after air defense system
Zelenskyi thanked the athlete for supporting Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. The president separately emphasized the importance of international support and the public voices of people who stand with Ukraine.
The head of state also noted that Ukraine seeks not only to withstand the war, but to win it.
In his conversation with Crawford, Zelenskyi also said:
"We know you. We know about your victories. And in Ukraine, we also need a victory — but one, one big victory that is important to us. It is important because it is a way to survive."
During the meeting, Crawford gave Zelenskyi a symbolic gift — a puppy named Freyja. According to the boxer, the dog's name is connected to the future FREYJA air defense system and the image of the goddess of victory.
After the gift was presented, the participants in the meeting discussed the dog's origin and its family history.
According to sports media, Crawford's visit to Ukraine has a humanitarian and symbolic purpose. During his stay in Kyiv, the athlete is expected to take part in several events, but the details of his program have not yet been disclosed.
Background
Crawford is 38 years old. At the end of 2025, he ended his professional career. In 2025, the American boxed for the last time, defeating Saul Alvarez by judges' decision after moving up two weight classes. After that, Terence took a break and then decided to retire undefeated, with a final record of 42 wins, including 31 by stoppage, and 0 losses.
During his career, the American won titles in five weight divisions and became the first boxer of the four-belt era to become the undisputed world champion in three weight classes.
The American athlete also maintains friendly relations with Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk and has repeatedly spoken publicly in support of Ukrainians.
It should be noted that legendary American boxer Mike Tyson appeared at a boxing stars' parade in New York wearing a traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt, or vyshyvanka. His choice may have a personal story behind it: Camilla Ewald, who came from a Ukrainian family and became his adoptive mother, played an important role in the athlete's development.
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26 of August 2026
